Double standards ?

Pheasants, although not indigenous, are not rare in the UK, given wealthy people like to shoot them. Normally what happens is the chicks are reared in pens, which themselves are located within small woodlands. Once the birds get to a reasonable size they are released then fed daily by the gamekeeper, who also controls any raptors, until finally, hordes of humans march through the woodland, waving flags and shouting, the birds flying away straight over a line of strategically placed shooters. Such is the "sport" of pheasant shooting.

Some species, such as the Scottish wildcat, the pine marten, and several birds of prey are rare, indeed close to extinction due to gamekeepering, admittedly not just recently. Note though that when the wars were on, many species of raptor, or vermin as they are often known, drastically increased in numbers, because no-one was at home to manage the sporting estates

The Royals like their "field sports".

Wills, Kate, 'n Harry wait for the birds

Yesterday we saw the Royal pair of Princes, Charles and Willliam, attend the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference at St. James' Palace where warnings were given that many species of animals are close to extinction because  "members of the world’s growing middle class are seeking exotic products that reflect their economic prosperity and status". That's products, not pastimes. Prince William noted that "I think the consumer deserves to know that the illegal animal parts’ fashionable and luxurious image is at odds with the barbarity of how these animals parts are obtained", whilst his father looked on "in admiration". (mail on line)

Gamekeeper's "gibbet" (here)

Back in 2009, Robbie Elliot, a gamekeeper on Prince Charles' Birkhall Estate, was fined £450 for failing to check his snares on a daily basis, a failure which led a badger to die a horrific death. Sometimes gamekeepers are under a lot of pressure to produce results. (BBC News).

Prince Edward  beats his faithful dog 

cheers